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Yes—an outdated or problematic graphics driver can be one possible cause of a VALORANT startup error, and Riot lists updating it as a troubleshooting step. It is not a guaranteed fix: first check the exact error, since errors containing “VAN” belong on Riot’s Vanguard error-code path.
Check the error before changing drivers
Write down the complete error message or code shown when VALORANT fails to launch. Riot directs players with an error containing “VAN” to its Vanguard error-code guidance. Use the instructions for that code rather than assuming the graphics driver is responsible.
For a general system or critical error, Riot’s VALORANT startup troubleshooting guide includes updating the graphics-card driver among several possible steps.
Update the driver for your graphics card
- Identify the graphics card. Find the GPU’s manufacturer and model on your PC, or check the computer or graphics-card maker’s support information. If you are unsure which GPU is installed, use the computer manufacturer’s support channel to identify the correct hardware.
- Get the matching driver from an official source. Use the GPU manufacturer’s official channel, or the PC maker’s support channel for your exact model. Match the driver to the installed GPU and your operating system. Avoid choosing a driver merely because it is described as the newest; it must support your hardware and system.
- Install it using the manufacturer’s instructions. Driver labels and installation steps vary by brand and model, so follow the directions for the driver you downloaded. Do not rely on a third-party driver utility to select or install a replacement.
- Restart the PC, then try VALORANT again. If the same error returns, note it and continue with the Riot troubleshooting route for that error instead of repeatedly reinstalling drivers.
Current vendor-specific interface steps and driver versions are not established here, so use the instructions shown by the official source for your particular GPU rather than following a generic button-by-button guide.
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If updating the driver does not fix startup
Riot’s general troubleshooting guidance also covers clearing local game data, performing a clean boot, checking firewall exceptions, and—if earlier steps do not solve the issue—reinstalling VALORANT and Vanguard. These are alternative troubleshooting branches, not proof that the graphics driver caused the failure. Follow the Riot instructions relevant to your error and contact Riot Support with the exact message or code if the problem persists.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to interpret Riot’s older patch 10.05 notice
Riot’s notice about launch problems after patch 10.05 advised restarting the PC first and then trying a clean graphics-driver reinstall if restarting did not help. That advice was specific to that historical patch issue; it does not establish that patch 10.05 is causing current launch failures or that a clean reinstall is the right first step for every error.
Quick Recap
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